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SOL: LGBTQ+ Multicultural Support Network

Welcome to the SOL: LGBTQ+ Multicultural Support Network

About Us

SOL is a student-fee funded organization that focuses on Queer and Trans People of Color (QTPOC) while providing support through educational programming, student advocacy, and ally building among undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, staff, and other organizations at Oregon State University.

Our work allows individuals to embrace their full selves without compromising a piece of themselves in the process. Looking at all your identities and acknowledging they all matter at the same time, SOL is who you fully are. While we recognize the intersection of all identities we focus particularly on the intersection of sexuality, gender and race/ethnicity.

The name SOL is a metaphor, not an acronym. “Sol” is the word for sun in languages such as Spanish and Portuguese. Moreover, the sun’s rays are used to make a prominent symbol of the LGBTQ+ community: the rainbow. Like the sun, SOL: LGBTQ+ Multicultural Support Network is intended to brighten our campus by improving its climate.

SOL Staff

From left to right:

Marisa Moser - Graduate Teaching Assistant

Mariah Pounders - Peer Facilitator

Adrianna Davis - Leadership Liaison

Justine Anaya - Leadership Liaison

Our History

Timeline

2002: The brainstorming of SOL first started by graduate student Derron Coles.

2003: The first meeting was held and the name of the organization was decided.

2004: SOL gained recognition as an official student organization at OSU.

2006: SOL gained its first funding from Dr. Larry Roper, for student positions, advertising, and general events. Prior to this, all work hours were completed by volunteers and events were paid for through donations.

2008: SOL was still unable to receive funding from Intercultural Student Services. So, Dr. Larry Roper re-allocated funds from his budget to help sustain the student leadership positions

2015: SOL had their first dedicated Graduate Teaching Assistant and Professional Staff to help support the organization

History of SOL’s Name

SOL is a metaphor, not an acronym. SOL was chosen for the following reasons:

SOL is the word for sun in languages such as Spanish and Portuguese. Therefore, using sol instead of sun brings the multicultural aspect of the group into play.

The sun’s rays are used to make a prominent symbol of the LGBTQ+ community: the rainbow.

Often, persons of color do not feel that they are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. We argue that this is not the case because you cannot create a rainbow without a bit of Sol!

SOL is pronounced “soul” by english speakers, a term often associated with the African American community from which some of our members originate.

Soul is also a term used to describe the intangible energy that connects us to each other and gives us the empathy that causes us to care for others.

The sun as well as SOL’s is intended to brighten our campus by improving its climate.